Hazelnuts. These pearl-shaped nuts offer abundant vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports heart and eye health. To remove hazelnuts’ bitter skins, bake on a rimmed sheet at 350 degrees for 10–15 minutes; place in a clean dish towel and rub vigorously. Make the Egyptian spice dukkah by blending hazelnuts, sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, and sea salt in a food processor. Dip pita into olive oil and dukkah for an exotic appetizer.

Brazil nuts. Just one of these crescent-shaped nuts— technically a seed from trees that grow in South America— provides nearly 100 percent of your recommended daily selenium, a nutrient that protects against oxidative damage and supports reproductive health. For an alternate take on pesto, substitute buttery Brazil nuts for pricier pine nuts

Pecans. Too often buried inside high-calorie pies and desserts, these Southern staples are quite nutritious on their own: One handful delivers more than half of your daily dose of manganese, a trace mineral associated with osteoporosis prevention. Enjoy pecans’ lighter side in a spinach salad tossed with fresh apple slices, dried cranberries, and a rich balsamic vinaigrette.